September 22, 2023

Quantexa Appoints Industry Luminaries to its Advisory Board to Accelerate Growth Plans

Former president of BlackRock, former CEO of NHSX, and former Director of GCHQ bring wealth of industry experience from finance, healthcare, and national security

LONDON, Sept. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quantexa, the global leader in Decision Intelligence (DI) solutions for the private and public sectors, announced today that it has appointed three industry luminaries to its Advisory Board. These hires include Ralph Schlosstein, former CEO of Evercore and former President of BlackRock, Matthew Gould, former CEO of NHSX, and Sir Jeremy Fleming, Former Director of GCHQ. These distinguished leaders bring a wealth of expertise in finance, healthcare, and national security to Quantexa.

The expansion of Quantexa’s Advisory Board comes at a pivotal time for the organization, following the completion of a $129 million Series E funding round, led by GIC, where Quantexa joined an elite group of UK tech companies reaching breakout unicorn status. It was also announced this year that Quantexa will invest over $155M in the global AI industry over the next three years to help clients advance the use of AI to protect, optimize, and grow their organizations. By 2027, Quantexa’s total global investment in AI will reach more than $250M.

Ralph Schlosstein, former CEO of Evercore and former President of BlackRock, brings decades of experience in investment banking to Quantexa’s Advisory Board. His distinguished career includes playing a strategic role in helping the world’s largest asset management firm go public. Ralph’s financial acumen will play a pivotal role in shaping corporate strategy initiatives.

Matthew Gould, former CEO of NHSX, joins Quantexa’s Advisory Board, after serving as the British ambassador to Israel between 2010 and 2015, where Gould helped to launch the UK-Israel Technologies Hub – an initiative run in Tel Aviv to forge technology partnerships between UK and Israeli companies. More recently, Matthew leveraged his extensive background in healthcare to play a pivotal role in advising NHS on initiatives throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. At NHSX, Gould has been responsible for harnessing the power of data and technology to improve healthcare delivery. Matthew’s deep expertise will help Quantexa identify the economies and industries for strategic focus and make decisions on commercial strategy.

Sir Jeremy Fleming, Former Director of GCHQ, and former Deputy Head of MI5, joins the Advisory Board with more than 30 years of experience in intelligence and technology. His extensive background includes developing the National Cyber Security Centre, where he strived to make the UK the safest place to live and do business online. With a passion for making technology use in government more transparent, Sir Fleming will enhance Quantexa’s capabilities in addressing emerging threats and opportunities.

“We are pleased to welcome Ralph Schlosstein, Matthew Gould, and Sir Jeremy Fleming to our Advisory Board,” said Vishal Marria, CEO of Quantexa. “Their collective expertise in finance, healthcare, and national security will be invaluable as we continue to develop cutting-edge decision intelligence solutions that address the evolving needs of the market.”

“Quantexa’s AI-enabled technology allows its customers to protect, optimize, and grow their organizations with efficiency and transparency,” said Ralph Schlosstein, former CEO of Evercore and former President of BlackRock. “I believe Quantexa is well-positioned to capture the opportunities ahead and increase its share of the emerging Decision Intelligence category. I am looking forward to supporting the executive team as they work to accelerate their organic and inorganic growth strategy.”

“It’s an exciting time for me to be joining Quantexa’s Advisory Board, at this critical stage of growth for the company,” said Matthew Gould. “Quantexa’s innovative approach to helping customers in the private and public sectors make data their most valuable utility is revolutionizing decision making across multiple industries. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at Quantexa to connect data and drive better outcomes for organizations.”

Sir Jeremy Fleming, Former Director of GCHQ commented “I’m thrilled to be part of a company at the forefront of AI innovation. I look forward to combining my experience with Quantexa’s impressive capabilities, which will continue to shape how their customers use data to protect businesses and citizens.”

With the help of its Advisory Board, Quantexa remains dedicated to empowering organizations to make trusted operational decisions through innovative Decision Intelligence solutions. For more on Quantexa’s Leadership team, visit here.

About Quantexa

Quantexa is a global data and analytics software company pioneering Decision Intelligence that empowers organizations to make trusted operational decisions by making data meaningful. Using the latest advancements in big data and AI, Quantexa’s Decision Intelligence platform uncovers hidden risk and new opportunities by providing a contextual, connected view of internal and external data in a single place. It solves major challenges across data management, KYC, customer intelligence, financial crime, risk, fraud, and security, throughout the customer lifecycle.

The Quantexa Decision Intelligence Platform enhances operational performance with over 90% more accuracy and 60 times faster analytical model resolution than traditional approaches. Founded in 2016, Quantexa now has more than 650 employees and thousands of users working with billions of transactions and data points across the world. The company has offices in London, Dublin, New York, Boston, Washington DC, Toronto, UAE, Malaga, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Brussels, Melbourne, Sydney, and Singapore. For more information, follow us on LinkedIn.

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GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000840648

September 22, 2023

WPC Energy Marks the End of a Successful 24th World Petroleum Congress in Calgary

24WPC welcomed over 10,000 visitors, over 5,000 delegates and registrants from 111 countries

CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 24^th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) has come to a close after five days of engaging conversations centered on the theme “Energy Transition: The Path to Net Zero”. The Organising Committee for Canada (“OCAN”) is proud to share that the 24^th WPC saw over 10,000 unique visitors to the exhibition, over 5,000 delegates in attendance at the Congress, and registrants from 111 countries.

“The 24^th WPC has been an incredible success,” said Denis Painchaud, President & CEO, OCAN. “We hit all our topline numbers and have received incredibly positive feedback about the overall experience from participants. I want to thank attendees, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors, as well as our Board, organizing team, employees, contractors and volunteers for making this a truly special event. I would also like to thank Minister Wilkinson, Premier Smith and Mayor Gondek for their participation and support. This event has been a win for the global energy industry, the Canadian energy industry, for Canada and for Calgary.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate the progress achieved during a week of productive and engaging dialogue at the 24^th WPC,” said Pedro Miras, President, WPC Energy. “WPC Energy’s vision is to facilitate an open dialogue around oil, gas, energy and its products with participation from around the world. We look forward to continuing these important conversations as we look forward to the 25^th WPC taking place in Saudi Arabia in 2026.”

Notable highlights from the 24^th WPC included:

The Opening Ceremony took place on Sunday, September 17 which included a ceremony to officially mark the transition from World Petroleum Council to a new name, WPC Energy. The Opening Ceremony also included a keynote address from the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Canada and remarks from Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta and Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of Calgary.
Day one of the Congress featured a Ministerial Dialogue with HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Al Saud. This included an MOU signing to officially pass organizing privileges of WPC to Saudi Arabia, which will be hosting the 25^th edition in Riyadh in 2026. Following this session, WPC Energy President Pedro Miras presented Aramco President & CEO Amin Nasser with the prestigious WPC Dewhurst Award, recognizing his leadership and contributions to the oil and gas industry.
The exhibition floor was heavily populated all four days, attracting visitors and delegates alike to discover features including the Carbon Tech Expo, Canada House, Digital Poster Plaza and Sustainability & Social Responsibility Pavilion. Sponsors and attending organizations have stated that they enjoyed a tremendous amount of business success at the event and felt that they achieved full value for their investments.
Feedback from attendees has consistently highlighted the strength of WPC’s speaker panels. The programme included seven plenary sessions, daily luncheon panels, ministerial sessions with global participation, CEO strategic sessions and technical forums, with government representatives, CEOs, academics and more from around the world.
Congress proceedings concluded with the WPC Excellence Awards (WPCEA), presented Thursday afternoon. These awards distinguish companies, institutions or any public or private organization engaged in the oil and gas industry for promoting or operating with high excellence standards. The 2023 WPCEA recipients included:
- WPCEA for Social Responsibility:
  - Kilang Pertamina Internasional Refinery Unit III Plaju: Lighting More Hopes – Indonesia (Small Company)
  - Marun Petrochemical Company: MAHSHAHR Deserves the Best – Iran (Large Company)
- WPCEA for Technological Development:
  - Micro-Bac International: Bacterial application for environmental and economical improvements in SWD assets – USA (Small Company)
  - Saudi Aramco: Sensor Ball – Saudi Arabia (Large Company)
- WPCEA for Gender & Inclusion
  - Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO): Women of Tomorrow – A strategic initiative for Gender & Inclusion – Bahrain
Calgary welcomed people from all over the world to participate in WPC. Hotels, restaurants and event spaces all opened their doors to delegates and visitors – a true demonstration of Calgarian hospitality and a major contributor to the overall success of the event.

Recognizing our Sponsors
OCAN is pleased to recognize the Diamond, Platinum and Elite sponsors of the 24th WPC for their support: Accenture, Aramco, CNPC, Saudi Arabia Ministry of Energy, Sinopec, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Cenovus Energy, Pathways Alliance, Repsol, Suncor, bp, Bennett Jones, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Chevron, Deloitte, Enbridge, ExxonMobil | Imperial, Petrobas, PwC Canada, S&P Commodity Insights, Sonangol EP and WestJet. OCAN would also like to recognize its government partners including PrairiesCan, the Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary for their funding and in-kind contributions and support.

To learn more about what took place at the 24^th WPC, please visit www.24wpc.com. To stay connected to WPC Energy and updates regarding the 25^th WPC in Riyadh in 2026, please visit www.world-petroleum.org.

About the World Petroleum Congress
Held every three years in WPC Energy member countries, the World Petroleum Congress is the world’s premier oil, gas and energy forum that attracts the attendance of heads of state, energy leaders and technical experts who discuss the challenges and opportunities of managing the world’s petroleum and energy resources for the benefit of all. Under the theme of “Energy Transition: The Path to Net Zero,” the 24^th WPC in Calgary featured a multi-stream conference, including strategic and technical sessions, an international exhibition covering 225,000 ft², programming for young professionals, and special events such as Canada Night, Women’s Networking Breakfast, Ministerial Reception, Excellence Awards and much more.

The information presented at the Congress, as well as the discussions and debates around the progressive programme topics, will help to define realistic, workable paths forward for the global energy industry to achieve a net zero future.

About WPC Energy
Established in 1933, WPC Energy, formerly World Petroleum Council, is a non-advocacy, non-political organization with charitable status in the U.K. and has accreditation as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) from the United Nations (UN). WPC Energy is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable management and the use of the world’s energy resources for the benefit of all. WPC Energy conducts the triennial World Petroleum Congress, covering all aspects of the industry including management of the industry and its social, economic, and environmental impact.

For information about the 24^th World Petroleum Congress, contact:
Rebecca Hurl, Brookline Public Relations
E-mail: [email protected]
www.24wpc.com

For further information about WPC Energy, contact:
Sarah Beattie, Project Manager
E-mail: sarahb@world-petroleum.org
www.world-petroleum.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8926687

September 22, 2023

RDA Takes Strong Action Against 16 Illegal Housing Schemes in Rawalpindi

The district administration, local police, and the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) successfully took action against 16 illegal housing schemes in various areas of Rawalpindi.

The operation, which took place in Mouzas Adhwal, Cighu, Chak Cighu, Bhal, Titral, Hoon, Gojra Chak, Ralla, Ralla Gujra, Banda, Wariyam Malokra, Gurha Bertha, Kuri Khuda Bakhsh, and Bagga Sheikhan, involved the demolition of main entrances, guard rooms, boundary walls, dividers, and road infrastructure belonging to these unauthorized schemes.

The RDA spokesperson confirmed that the targeted illegal housing schemes included Hoon Farm, Theme Park, Cighu Farm House, Green Hawks/Flaura Farms, Freedom Smart Home, Islamabad Forms Phase-I/II, Shahzain Town, Atlantic City, Attar Farms, Project of BSM Developers, Green View, Lake View City/Lake Garden Green Farm House, Green Stone, and Gulberg Garden in Rawat Rawalpindi.

Saif Anwar Jappa, the RDA Director General (DG), emphasized that these operations were initiated in response to public complaints, aiming to curb fraudulent activities associated with illegal housing schemes that exploit citizens. Jappa highlighted that owners who had completed the necessary documentation were given land possession rights.

He urged citizens not to invest in illegal housing schemes and advised them to buy and sell properties only in approved housing schemes. Jappa revealed that notices had previously been issued to the owners and sponsors of the illegal housing schemes, and FIRs were filed to halt illegal advertisements, bookings, and development. Additionally, he noted that some owners had been operating illegal booking offices in violation of regulations, further emphasizing the need for vigilance among potential property buyers.

Source: Pro Pakistani

September 22, 2023

Pakistan Volleyball Team Qualifies for Quarter Finals of Asian Games 2023

The Pakistan volleyball team secured a 3-0 victory against South Korea in the knockout match of the play-off stage in the ongoing Asian Games 2023.

The sets were closely contested, with scores of 19-25, 22-25, and 21-25 ending in favor of the Men in Green, advancing them to the quarter-final stage.

The Green Shirts will now come face to face against Qatar in the much-anticipated quarter-final, scheduled to take place on October 24 in Hangzhou, China.

Last week, the national team secured a 3-0 victory against a strong Chinese Taipei in their second game to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament.

In their opening game of the marquee event, the Green Shirts defeated the 58th-ranked Mongolia team in straight sets, 25-17, 25-19, and 25-20, on Tuesday.

The team moved to the top of the points table after defeating the 44th-ranked Chinese Taipei, who won Bronze in 2018 with scores of 25-18, 25-20, and 25-19.

The most notable accomplishment for Pakistan in Asian Games volleyball history occurred when they secured a third-place finish during the 1962 Jakarta.

Source: Pro Pakistani

September 22, 2023

Usama Mir’s Old Tweet Goes Viral on Social Media

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, which is scheduled in India.

The Selection Committee has maintained faith in leg-spinner Usama Mir to represent the national team in this mega event, starting on October 5.

After Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq revealed Usama Mir as part of the national squad, an old tweet from Usama Mir went viral on social media platforms.

Back in 2019, a cricket fan asked the 27-year-old spinner about the possibility of him entering the international circuit for the national team on Twitter.

In response to this question, the Sialkot-born cricketer replied that he would be representing the Men in Green in the upcoming World Cup 2023.

Earlier this week, reports were suggesting that mystery spinner, Abrar Ahmed, might replace Usama Mir in the national squad for the mega event.

It is worth mentioning that Usama Mir has represented Pakistan in eight ODIs, taking 11 wickets at an average of 35.1 and an economy rate of 5.43.

Source: Pro Pakistani